Directional Terms

Anterior (Ventral)

toward the front of the body

Posterior (Dorsal)

toward the back/rear of the body

Superior

toward the head or upper portion of the body

Inferior

toward the tail or lower portion of the body

Medial

toward the midline or center of the body

Lateral

away from the midline or center of the body

Median

toward the midline or center of the body

Superficial

toward the surface of the body or skin

Deep

away from the surface or toward the body’s interior

Intermediate

in-between the superficial and deep layers

Proximal

toward the point of origin or close to the limb's point of attachment

Distal

away from the point of origin or away from the limb's point of attachment